Thread: One Piece Razor: Two Approaches

I'll take a stab...
My kamisori's are "faux" in that they have the asymmetrical grind but and not two metal bonded. A Heart Custom and a Brian Brown.
For Western Grind - Robert Williams Purist and a Bruno 8/8
And to make it more complicated, a collection of Feather types (SS, CJB, RG)
Conventional straights? Too many to list.

Kamisori style - I try to use this "correctly" - holding the flat side to the face. This takes some practice, would not recommend it for a new shaver but the up-start is that you learn some things about angle, stretching and shaving in between your thumb and index finger (using them to not only stretch but control the direction of the stretch to stand up the hair) I use the tricks every day, but seldom pick up the razors. It helps to remember that these were designed for Monk A to shave Monk B. Using them on yourself (conventionally or "correctly") requires, IMHO, advanced shaving skills (well past 100 shaves for me)

Western Grind One Piece - I've become to think that grind (Wedge to Singing Hollow) is as much a YMMV thing as anything else. So if your one piece razor is grind A and your favorite conventional is Grind D...you are going to have issues. So keep that in mind when you give them a try. The blades tend to be shorter, this makes moving them around easier for some. But we forget how much we use the scales pinched between your fingers for control and balance. The Bruno and the RW Purist are about as far apart as you can get. I need to wrap the handle on the Bruno to make up for my hand size - but the slight smile makes it an amazing shaver. The Purist has a wicked point that requires great focus, but the weight and balance work well for me. With any one piece there has to be special attention to blade protection. Without the scales for protection any time you set the razor down you have to take special care of the edge. An easier transition from conventional than the Kamisori IMHO.

Feather Style Once Piece - Great balance and a good place to start if you are willing to master the Feather edge (low pressure, low angle and give it 2-7 shaves to master, those weepers are from too much pressure BTW) They are a commodity in that they hold their valued used so you can get in and out of them without too much pain if you are patient. Also a great travel system as you don't need strop or hone - a great edge is seconds away...They now have a snap on plastic cover for both the SS and DX/RG Fixed profile.

Conventional Straight - For background - I started out with 5/8 and 6/8 Round point Hollow ground razors. My only square points left me dazed and bleeding. Fast forward several hundred shaves and the edge of choice is a 7/8 Square or BN Point Med-1/4 hollow razor. Think Heart, RW 7/8SP & SRP, Max, W&B FBU, Ralf Aust 7/8 AP, Lewis. The Square Point makes trimming to the edge of the Mo that much easier. The French point of the RW Purist has that same detail.

I think it may come down to where you are in your learning curve and comfort level. When you have hundreds or thousands of shaves you can work with anything if you have to or want to. Since shaving with a Straight is a fine motor skill practice and experience with different systems and styles seems to help you learn/grow. What you hate today might be what you love in six months (I am an example)
And I can say that I am better for having tried them even thought they are not my ever day razors.

And Charlie Lewis's work is spell-binding is it not?

Smooth Shaving...